MATH 1214 Course Page
MATH 1214 Preparation for Calculus is a three-credit course designed as preparation for MATH 1225 Calculus of a Single Variable. Topics covered are linear equations, polynomials, relations and functions, rational functions, quadratic equations, radicals and functions with rational exponents, exponentials, logarithms, trigonometric functions, and trigonometric identities.
Text: PreCalculus, by Julie Miller and Donna Gerken (2nd edition) with ALEKS access.
Prerequisites: 2 units of high school algebra, 1 unit of geometry, 1 unit each of trigonometry and precalculus and placement by Math Department.
Download the Complete Syllabus with Problem Assignments for sections using Precalculus (PDF)
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | The Rectangular Coordinate System |
| 1.3 | Functions and Relations |
| 1.4 | Linear Equations in Two Variables and Linear Functions |
| 1.5 | Applictions of Linear Equations and Modeling |
| 1.6 | Transformations of Graphs |
| 1.7 | Analyzing Graphs of Function and Piecewise Defined Functions |
| 1.8 | Algebra of Functions and Function Composition |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Quadratic Functions and Applications |
| 2.2 | Introduction to Polynomial Functions |
| 2.3 | Division of Polynomials and the Remainder & Factor Theorems |
| 2.5 | Introduction to Rational Functions |
| 2.6 | Graphs of Rational Functions |
| 3.1 | Inverse Functions |
| 3.2 | Exponential Functions |
| 3.3 | Logarithmic Functions |
| 3.4 | Properties of Logarithmic Functions |
| 3.5 | Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Applications |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Angles and Their Measure |
| 4.2 | Trigonometric Functions Defined on the Unit Circle |
| 4.3 | Right Triangle Trigonometry |
| 4.4 | Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle |
| 4.5 | Graphs of Sine and Cosine Functions |
| 4.6 | Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions |
| 4.7 | Inverse Trigonometric Functions |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 5.1 | Fundamental Trigonometric Identities |
| 5.5 | Trigonometric Equations |
MATH 1214 has 3 common-time midterms and a common final exam.
The 3 midterm exams are administered in person outside of regular class time.
- The midterm exams are 1 hour and 15 minutes in length, and they consist of both free response and multiple choice questions.
- All midterm exams should be completed without a textbook or any other course materials including a calculator.
Students who need accommodations or have scheduling conflicts should contact their instructor. The makeup exam policy can be found on your instructor's course policy sheet.
| Test | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | Wednesday, September 24 |
7:00 - 8:15 pm |
| Test 2 | Wednesday, October 29 | 7:00 - 8:15 pm |
| Test 3 | Tuesday, December 2 | 7:00 - 8:15 pm |
| Final Exam |
Wednesday, December 17 | 7:45 - 9:45am |
These are the rooms for Tests 1-3
| Instructor | Room |
|---|---|
| Amini | McBryde 232 |
| Chow | Pamplin 3001 |
| Daly | McBryde 308 |
| Downs | McBryde 329 |
| Elsrrawi | Torgersen 1060 |
| Giannitsi | Pamplin 1003 |
| LaTona-Tequida | Pamplin 2003 |
| Liao | McBryde 238 |
| Liu | Pamplin 1008 |
| Nakaj | Pamplin 2028 |
| Quinlan | Classroom Bldg 260 |
| Rivera | McBryde 307 |
| Silber | McBryde 318 |
| Tarasenkov | Pamplin 32 |
| Wan | McBryde 126 |
| Woosley | Pamplin 2003 |
| Time Conflict | Holden 234 |
| Accommodations | Holden 244 |
Test rooms for the final exam are assigned by the Registrar's office and may be different.
The final exam is a Common Time Exam and consists of two parts:
- Common Exam
This test is a multiple choice exam taken by all sections of MATH 1214. - Free Response Exam
Your instructor will give you information on what to expect for the second portion of the exam.
Note:
- The final exam time is fixed and will not be rescheduled for discretionary reasons, including conflicts with work schedules or exams for classes at other colleges.
- If there is a conflict with the final in another class, follow the procedures proposed by your college to reschedule an exam. Exams of courses that have a common-time final have priority and the exam for the other course should be rescheduled.
Check the timetable or your instructor's Canvas course site for the date and time of the final exam.
See the Timetable of classes for information on current offerings of MATH 1214.
The Undergraduate Honor Code pledge that each member of the university community agrees to abide by states:
“As a Hokie, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.”
Students enrolled in this course are responsible for abiding by the Honor Code. A student who has doubts about how the Honor Code applies to any assignment is responsible for obtaining specific guidance from the course instructor before submitting the assignment for evaluation. Ignorance of the rules does not excuse any member of the University community from the requirements and expectations of the Honor Code.
For additional information about the Honor Code, please visit https://www.honorsystem.vt.edu/
If you need extra help with course materials:
- Check your course Canvas site for your instructor's office hours.
- Visit the Mathematics Department Tutoring Information Page.
If you are currently enrolled in MATH 1214, you can contact your instructor through your Canvas course website.
If you have any general questions or concerns about MATH 1214, you can email the course coordinators at 1214coordinator@math.vt.edu.